Computed tomography dental cone beam is the specialized type of X-ray machine. It is used in the scenario where facial X-rays and regular dental X-rays can’t be performed. The procedure is not done routinely since the exposure to radiation from the scanner is higher than the regular dental X-rays. This kind of CT scanning tool is made with advanced technology that allows the generation of 3D images of dental structures, nerve paths, soft tissues, and bone in the craniofacial area. Images obtained from this allow the dentist to prepare precise treatment planning.

Cone beam CT is not the same as conventional CT. It can be used for producing images that are similar to the images produced by conventional CT imaging. In this procedure, the X-ray beam comes in the shape of a cone that moves around the patient to produce larger images. Cone beam CT and CT Scans both are known for producing high quality 3D images to address the issues more effectively.

Dental CT cone beams are designed for crafting similar image types but with a less expensive and smaller machine. Overall, it offers a detailed bone image and is performed to evaluate jaw diseases, facial bone structure, dentition, sinuses, and nasal cavities. It doesn’t offer full reports of diagnostics like traditional CT in terms of lymph nodes, nerves, glands, and muscles. Well, cone beam CT has the benefit of lower radiation exposure as compared to conventional CT.

The procedure is mostly used for the treatment of orthodontic issues. Additional cases that may involve are-

• Surgical Planning for Impacted Teeth: Impacted teeth can pose significant orthodontic challenges. If you want to position the impacted teeth and crown or root, then the dentist suggests going for a dental cone CT beam before undergoing any surgery.

• Diagnosing Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ): If you are dealing with this specific condition and want to get faster recovery, then surgeons suggest undergoing through Dental cone beam CT to design the best practices for diagnosing TMJ.

• Accurate Placement of Dental Implants: Are you looking for accurate placement of dental implants? Before you go through the surgical procedures, the surgeons ask you to perform a dental cone beam CT scan to get a clear picture of your dental structure.

• Evaluation of the Jaw, Sinuses, Nerve Canals and Nasal Cavity: The dental experts and the ENT specialist also suggest using the CBCT units since they offer efficient and accurate information. It is used to address the condition of Nerve canals, nasal cavities, sinuses, and jaw.

• Detecting, Measuring, and Treating Jaw Tumors: Do you have tumors in your jaw? The condition can be worse when you leave it as it is. To measure the condition, the dentist suggests going for the CBCT X-ray to detect, measure, and treat the condition in the best possible way. By getting a clear view of your jaw, they will start the process.

• Determining Bone Structure and Tooth Orientation: When you come to a dental clinic for tooth orientation the surgeons suggest going through the CBCT method to get a clear picture from where they can determine your bone structure and move further with the process.

• Locating The Origin of Pain or Pathology: When doctors can’t address the origin of pain through regular dental X-rays or facial X-rays, then they suggest performing the CBCT method. This X-ray offers 3D images that are enough to identify the issues and plan a precise treatment plan for a speedy recovery.

• Cephalometric Analysis: Cephalometric analysis is done to diagnose dental and skeletal malocclusion. It is performed for planning corrective treatment, and evaluating growth changes. The procedure is carried out after undergoing a CBCT scan. After this procedure, the doctors receive a 3D scan image that improves the precise planning and ensures a speedy recovery with effective treatment.

• Reconstructive Surgery: CBCT is applied in both pre and perioperative diagnosis in both the otology and rhinology in otorhinolaryngology. In reconstructive surgery, CBCT facilitates precise planning of the intraoperatively, and the flap allows a perfect match of reconstructed tissue elements.

During the Dental Cone beam CT procedure, the gantry or C-arm revolves around the head in a 360-degree rotation when capturing multiple images from various angles that are further reconstructed to develop a single 3D image. The X-ray detectors are mounted on the opposite sides of the revolving C-arm that rotates in unison. In a single rotation, the detector generates high-resolution 2D images between 150 to 200 resolution that are digitally combined to develop a 3D image so that the oral surgeon or dentist can get a clear image & valuable information about your craniofacial & oral health.

• The dental cone beam CT, also referred to as the X-ray beam, minimizes scatter radiation, which results in better image quality.

• The X-rays used for the scanning don’t have any side effects.

• After the CT examination is done, no radiation remains in the body of the patient.

• The procedure is non-invasive, pain-free, and offers accurate results.

• A single scan offers various ranges of angles and views that can be manipulated to offer a complete evaluation.

• The best thing about the Dental Cone beam CT is it is able to give the image of soft tissues and bone at the same time.

• CT scans offer better information & precise treatment planning as compared to the traditional X-ray tools.